2019 -- H 5020

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LC000338

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXTENDING SINCERE CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF LAURA RODRÍGUEZ

     Introduced By: Representatives Slater, Diaz, Williams, Almeida, and Shekarchi

     Date Introduced: January 03, 2019

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House has learned of the passing of Laura

Rodríguez, the loving wife of Moreno Rodríguez, devoted mother of Pedro Rodríguez, Carol

Aguasvivas, Wendy Aguasvivas and Anna Rodríguez, and the cherished grandmother of Edelys,

Edward, and Victoria; and

     WHEREAS, Born in the Dominican Republic, Laura was a daughter of Aquino and

Miladys Ramirez, and the loving sister of Armando González, Francia Peguero, Julio Rodríguez,

Vilma Baez, and Raldy Ramírez. She resided in New York before moving to Providence in the

late 1990s; and

     WHEREAS, When first arriving in Providence, Mrs. Rodríguez worked as a hotel

housekeeper and union organizer, and raised her family. Her remarkable talents as an organizer

and her deep commitment to her community and social justice soon led to a lifetime advocating

and fighting for some of Providence's most vulnerable and oftentimes forgotten residents; and

     WHEREAS, Often referred to as the unofficial Mayor of South Providence or

Providence’s Godmother, Mrs. Rodríguez was deeply involved in the city's civic and political

life. She started by organizing a youth leadership group that registered and mobilized voters

during the 2002 election cycle, and later established the Community Angels, a movement that

brought thousands of toys, winter coats, and smiles to needy children in the community each

Christmas; and

     WHEREAS, Laura and her husband, Moreno, operated a small appliance business on the

South Side and their home was a warm and welcoming escape for those in need of assistance, a

good meal, a word of encouragement, or just a place to debate and share gossip; and

     WHEREAS, Laura was a beloved mother, wife and grandmother, and a fierce advocate

for her community. She was loved by many and respected by all who knew her. She will be

dearly missed; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby extends deepest condolences on the passing of Laura Rodríguez;

and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mr. Moreno Rodríguez and Family.

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